Guitars for Beginners

The first thing to understand if you are starting out in guitar is that there are three basic types of guitar:

What is a Classical Guitar?

Also called nylon-string guitars, this is the type approved in most school music programs. They are perfect guitars for beginners and small children because the strings are soft. They also come in 3/4, 1/2 and even tiny 1/4 size, great for all ages. They are inexpensive and can also take a few bumps from the little-ies.

What is an Acoustic Guitar?

The most popular guitar for adults, they have steel strings which may suit slightly older kids and adults. They produce a loud, resonant sound popular in country, pop and rock music and they go great with singing along.

What is an Electric Guitar?

An electric guitar usually has a thinner body and is played through an amplifier. This means you can turn it up (or down). You can buy packs that include the guitar and the amplifier, and even a whole bunch of accessories like a strap, picks, capo and more. They produce the rocky sounds used in rock and metal bands and would be the best choice for a person who thinks they want to be in a band and play guitar solos.

Browse this section to choose a guitar that's ideal for a beginner.

Watch:

What Is the Difference Between Classical, Acoustic and Electric Guitars?